Achievements and Activities

• Issued our Guide to Development in the City of Norwich.
  
  
• Launched and maintain this website, www.rosecityrenaissance.com.
  
  
• Completed the Design Center as a facility for community forums and displays of Norwich development.
  
  
• Began and continue to offer professional educational programming on issues of relevance to downtown.
  
  
• Developed a program providing advice to existing or potential businesses and entrepreneurs already operating or interested in locating to Downtown Norwich.
  
  
• Implemented an annual photo contest highlighting Norwich, and have completed two.
  
  
• Completed the first phase of the Downtown Building and Business Inventory and are progressing through Phase II.
  
  
• Created and maintain educational ties to Norwich schools.
  
  
• Expanded our communications efforts from a quarterly newsletter, Norwich Notes, to a monthly E-Newsletter, a monthly First Friday Guide to Downtown Norwich and a weekly Farmers Market Update, "in season".
  
  
• Researched existing design standards and guidelines in order to develop a comprehensive plan for Norwich, have drafted new guidelines for Norwich and are now navigating them through the approval process.
  
  
• Authored a proposal for Development Incentives, have submitted it for approval to the City Council, and are currently working for its approval by that forum.
  
  
• Developed "grand opening" strategies for new businesses downtown and conduct these events in conjunction with the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce.
  
  
• Implemented an Awards Program to recognize individuals responsible for downtown achievements.
  
  
• Conduct the monthly promotion of First Friday - Norwich and have become a regular venue for First Friday activities, increasing the extent of the event.
  
  
• Co-sponsored a Smithsonian SITES traveling exhibition of the works of William Rauschenberg; and hosted the event in our Design Center.
  
  
• Launched our first Norwich Heritage Festival, RailSail 2005.
  
  
• Acquired sponsorship of the always enjoyable "Oldies Night in Franklin Square."
  
  
• Are in the process of preparing and implementing a Corridor Improvement Plan, extending from Washington Square to Courthouse Square to Union Square.
  
  
• Serve as your voice as we share a common vision of the future.
  
  
• Continue to promote exciting family activities in downtown Norwich, on our own and in conjunction with a variety of community and business groups.
  
  
• Host informative programming on downtown issues.
  
  
• Are developing a forum for downtown businesses to network and develop.
  
  
• Continue to advocate for a balanced housing mix for Downtown Norwich.
  
  
• Compiling an effective merchant marketing campaign to attract appropriate new businesses into our downtown.
  
  
• Will soon implement an ongoing Community Leadership Training Program to ensure positive advocates for the Rose City.
  
  
• Are about to release a comprehensive marketing study on downtown retail in Norwich and develop strategies to address its findings by identifying niches for business development and aggressively pursuing them.